Dahlia

The dahlia has a flower head that is actually a composite with both central disc florets and surrounding ray florets. Each floret is a flower in its own right, but is often incorrectly described as a petal. Flower forms are variable, with one head per stem; these can be as small as 5 cm (2 in) diameter. The stems are leafy. The majority of species do not produce scented flowers and are brightly colored, displaying most hues, with the exception of blue.

Family: Asteraceae
Species: Dahlia spp.
Origin: Mexico, Central America, Colombia
Symbolizes: Named after Swedish botanist Anders Dahl (1751-1789) Dahlias are known to symbolize elegance, inner strength, change, creativity, and dignity.
Also Known As: The Aztecs referred to Dahlia as "cocoxochitl"

Care, Handling & Design

Temperature: 34-38F (1-3C) for short duration of 3-5 days. Storage for longer durations can reduce vase life by 20-30%.
Humidity: 75-85%
Water: Medium water quality, avoid softened water.
Vase Life: 4-10 days

What to Look for When Purchasing

Flowers should be fully open; Do not use flowers that have been stored for a long period of time (more than 5 days); watch for botrytis and insect damage to flowers and foliage.

Foam Info

Shorter flower life in foam than vase. Flowers susceptible to wilting. Make sure flowers are well hydrated before using in foam design. Make sure foam is kept well hydrated.

Design Tips

When designing with Dahlias be sure to give stems a fresh cut. Arranged in a vase you will need to change the water every couple of days with a fresh cut to keep hydrated.

Ethylene Sensitivity

Low

Pest & Disease Information

Botrytis. Use anti-Pathogen Transport Paper sheets during shipping and storage. Flower thrips cause flecking on petals; spider mites and virus can cause distorted yellow foliage.

Troubleshooting

Relatively short vase life, avoid storing for long durations in cooler; flowers are considered to have "dirty" stems and are difficult to hydrate. Flowers have hollow stems and are prone to wilting. Store/transport flowers wet.

Product Usage

For optimal care of Dahlia, please reference the chart of products below. Make sure to select your region to see which products are available.

BreedersGrowersBouquet OperationsTransportersWholesalersFloristsEvent Planners & DesignersSupermarkets & Club StoresEcommerce & DropshippersFlower Enthusiasts
Clean & Disinfect
FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner
FloraLife® D.C.D.® Cleaner
FloraLife® D.L.D. Cleaner
FloraLife® D.L.D. Cleaner 
FloraLife® Floral Cleaner
FloraLife® Floral Cleaner 
FloraLife® Cleaner
FloraLife® Cleaner  
FloraLife® Cleaner Plus
FloraLife® Cleaner Plus   
FloraLife® STRIP-IT® Cleaner
FloraLife® STRIP-IT® Cleaner        
Hydrate
FloraLife® Express Clear 100
FloraLife® Express Clear 100       
FloraLife HydraFlor® 100
FloraLife HydraFlor® 100      
Floralife® Hydraflor Clear Ultra 100
Floralife® Hydraflor Clear Ultra 100      
FloraLife® Hydrate Hydrangea
FloraLife® Hydrate Hydrangea          
FloraLife® Hydrate Plus 100
FloraLife® Hydrate Plus 100        
FloraLife® Hydrate Universal 100
FloraLife® Hydrate Universal 100        
FloraLife® PRG
FloraLife® PRG 
FloraLife® Quick Dip
FloraLife® Quick Dip    
Treat
EthylBloc™ Tablet
EthylBloc™ Tablet     
EthylBloc™ Truck Kit
EthylBloc™ Truck Kit    
FloraLife® EthylGuard 100
FloraLife® EthylGuard 100        
FloraLife® EthylGuard ULTRA 100
FloraLife® EthylGuard ULTRA 100        
FloraLife® Calla Lily 100
FloraLife® Calla Lily 100          
FloraLife® Shield ULTRA
FloraLife® Shield ULTRA        
FloraLife® Tulipa 100
FloraLife® Tulipa 100       
Store & Transport
FloraLife® 200
FloraLife® 200   
FloraLife® Clear 200
FloraLife® Clear 200   
FloraLife® Clear ULTRA 200
FloraLife® Clear ULTRA 200   
FloraLife® Clear 200 eZ Dose®
FloraLife® Clear 200 eZ Dose®   
FloraLife® Clear Rose 200
FloraLife® Clear Rose 200          
FloraLife® Express 200 eZ Dose®
FloraLife® Express 200 eZ Dose®   
FloraLife® Express Clear 200
FloraLife® Express Clear 200   
FloraLife® Bouquet Wrap
FloraLife® Bouquet Wrap   
Feed
FloraLife Crystal Clear®
FloraLife Crystal Clear®      
FloraLife Crystal Clear® ULTRA
FloraLife Crystal Clear® ULTRA      
FloraLife® Clear 300
FloraLife® Clear 300      
FloraLife® Express Universal 300
FloraLife® Express Universal 300      
FloraLife® Express ULTRA 300
FloraLife® Express ULTRA 300      
FloraLife® Floral Foam Food 300
FloraLife® Floral Foam Food 300      
FloraLife® Flower Food 300
FloraLife® Flower Food 300      
FloraLife® Rose Food Clear 300
FloraLife® Rose Food Clear 300      
FloraLife® Special Blend 300
FloraLife® Special Blend 300      
Finish
FloraLife® Clear Crowning Glory
FloraLife® Clear Crowning Glory   
FloraLife® ForEver Green
FloraLife® ForEver Green          
FloraLife® HydroSpray
FloraLife® HydroSpray    
FloraLife® LeafShine
FloraLife® LeafShine   
FloraLife® LeafShine Silicone Free
FloraLife® LeafShine Silicone Free   
Dose
FloraLife® Blend Center
FloraLife® Blend Center 
FloraLife® Aquablend Injector
FloraLife® Aquablend Injector 
Customer Care
FloraLife® Express Universal 300 Packets
FloraLife® Express Universal 300 Packets  
FloraLife Crystal Clear® Packets
FloraLife Crystal Clear® Packets  
FloraLife® Universal 300 Packets
FloraLife® Universal 300 Packets  
FloraLife® Flower Food 300 Packets
FloraLife® Flower Food 300 Packets  
FloraLife® Rose Food Clear 300 Packets
FloraLife® Rose Food Clear 300 Packets  
FloraLife® Express Universal 300 Flower Food Recyclable Paper Packets
FloraLife® Express Universal 300 Flower Food Recyclable Paper Packets  
FloraLife® Express Universal 300 Flower Food Improved Moisture Barrier Recyclable Paper Packets
FloraLife® Express Universal 300 Flower Food Improved Moisture Barrier Recyclable Paper Packets  
Fresh-Cut Flower Care Kit
Fresh-Cut Flower Care Kit         
FloraLife® Surface Cleaner
FloraLife® Surface Cleaner         
FloraLife® Quick Dip
FloraLife® Quick Dip         
FloraLife® Flower Food
FloraLife® Flower Food         
FloraLife® Finishing Touch Spray
FloraLife® Finishing Touch Spray